Not being able to access the auction pictures, this is only a guess....
There are a few odd models(many LCDs are set up this way) where you have a contact that protruds out from the module and contacts the case body. If that is bent or missing, you get weird things like you are describing. Look if you have a contact point that seems to be missing something - the text of the auction noted something about soldering repairs....
The whole thing was very weird(stupid,IMO) but manufacturers do weird things to get around patents or competitors or just to be different. Software is a good example of "recreating the wheel just because you can".
EDIT: Duh! IT is a Hughes module(should have read the thread title)...haven't seen the above setup on a Hughes, only other brands.